Joyned releases AI Planner to maximize impact of social revenue for online travel vendors

 

Award-winning social revenue innovator, Joyned, has announced the launch of its traveler AI Planner, the latest addition to its platform. It harnesses developments in artificial intelligence and big data to provide travel and hospitality vendors with the ability to deliver a personalized experience to maximize satisfaction and revenue.

Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board unveils updates and enhancements to the iconic Queen’s Staircase

 NASSAU – On April 23, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) was joined by government officials, hotel partners, key industry partners and media to celebrate the unveiling of the newly updated and restored Queen’s Staircase – an iconic historical landmark in downtown Nassau. The $200,000 initiative began in February 2024, with the goal of restoring the popular landmark to its former glory and preserving its rich history to be enjoyed for future generations.

The Queen’s Staircase has long been a renowned cultural heritage site in Nassau with its eye-catching architecture and historical significance. Commonly referred to as the 66 steps, the staircase was carved out of limestone in the 1830s by formerly enslaved people, to provide a direct access route between the city of Nassau and the Fort Fincastle at the top of Bennet’s Hill – the highest point in Nassau. It was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who signed a declaration to abolish slavery on her ascension to the throne in 1837. Today The Queen’s Staircase is frequented by locals and visitors who are interested in learning about its unique history and taking in its breathtaking beauty.

Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board CEO Joy Jibrilu said “The Queen’s Staircase has long held a special place in the hearts of Bahamians, as a treasured spot steeped in rich history and architectural splendor. Through our adoption of the Queen’s Staricase to restore and enhance its beauty, we hope that the legacy of the iconic landmark will live on. We are thrilled with the upgrades that have been made with enhanced lighting features, new landscaping and updated signage that enhances The Queen’s Staircase’s appeal and visibility. We also look forward to implementing a monthly maintenance plan that will ensure ongoing preservation of the restored features, making it easier for visitors to learn about the rich history of our country and enjoy the beauty of the restored structure.”

The project serves as a testament to NPIPB’s commitment to improving product quality, development and tourism infrastructure in Nassau and Paradise Island. Working with the Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation, The Bahamas Ministry of Works Elevations Plumbing, and several other Bahamian SMEs, the below upgrades were made to the staircase and the surrounding area:

• Replacing the damaged pipes, water pump and filter in the water feature and cleaning the waterfall
• Installing solar LED lighting within the water feature
• Upgrading lighting systems in the staircase to improve visibility and safety for visitors.
• Implementing landscaping enhancements to complement the natural beauty of the Queen’s Staircase surroundings.
• Upgrading site signage & creating an informative plaque detailing the historical significance
• Implementing effective pest control measures to safeguard the structure.
• Establishing a routine monthly maintenance schedule

Tags: Joy Jibrilu,   Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Nassau 

Austrian Airlines Expands European Reach with Direct Routes to Tbilisi and Bremen

 

Austrian Airlines is resuming flights to Tbilisi and Bremen in its 2024 summer schedule. Starting May 1, the airline reintroduced services to Tbilisi and will recommence flights to Bremen on May 6.

First ever helicopter tour of Japan’s Southern Alps to launch

 A brand-new helicopter and hiking tour has launched in Shizuoka, Japan which explores the Southern Alps.

The helicopter tour includes views of Mt. Fuji and surrounding peaks, as well as stops at a mountain onsen resort.

Corporate travel back in business for 2024

 

Business travel looks to be roaring back to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, says airport parking specialist Airport Parking and Hotels.

Marriott International reports strong first Quarter 2024 performance, highlighting growth and strategic expansions

Marriott International, Inc. reported first -quarter 2024 results. Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We were pleased with our results in the quarter, which included both excellent net rooms growth and cash generation. Worldwide RevPAR grew over 4 percent, with gains in both occupancy and ADR. Our international markets were particularly strong, posting RevPAR gains of 11 percent, led by nearly 17 percent year-over-year growth in Asia Pacific excluding China.

“In the U.S. & Canada, demand has normalized, with RevPAR increasing 1.5 percent. The group segment was the stand-out in the quarter. Group RevPAR in the region rose nearly 5 percent year-over-year, with growth in both rate and occupancy.

“In February we celebrated the fifth anniversary of Marriott Bonvoy, our powerful, award-winning travel and loyalty program. With our steadfast focus on growing our membership base and enhancing engagement with our members both on and off property, the program now boasts around 203 million global members and remains a key competitive advantage.

“We are excited about the launch of MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy during the quarter, which added nearly 37,000 rooms to our system from our strategic agreement with MGM Resorts International. We have seen outstanding initial booking pace and loyalty point redemptions across the collection.

“Our results in the first quarter highlight the resiliency of our asset-light business model and the strength of our brands. We are raising our full year earnings guidance and now expect to return between $4.2 billion to $4.4 billion to shareholders in 2024.”

First Quarter 2024 Results

Base management and franchise fees totaled $1,001 million in the 2024 first quarter, a 7 percent increase compared to base management and franchise fees of $932 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase is primarily attributable to RevPAR increases and unit growth. Non-RevPAR-related franchise fees in the 2024 first quarter totaled $208 million, compared to $197 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was largely driven by a 10 percent increase in co-brand credit card fees, partially offset by lower residential branding fees.

Incentive management fees totaled $209 million in the 2024 first quarter, a 4 percent increase compared to $201 million in the 2023 first quarter. Managed hotels in international markets contributed nearly two-thirds of the incentive fees earned in the quarter.

Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of direct expenses, totaled $71 million in the 2024 first quarter, compared to $75 million in the year-ago quarter.

General, administrative, and other expenses for the 2024 first quarter totaled $261 million, compared to $202 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year change largely reflects higher compensation and litigation expenses, as well as some unfavorable timing of expenses during 2024. The 2023 first quarter expenses included $20 million of favorable one-time items.

Interest expense, net, totaled $153 million in the 2024 first quarter, compared to $111 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was largely due to higher interest expense associated with higher debt balances.

In the 2024 first quarter, the provision for income taxes totaled $163 million, a 22 percent effective rate, compared to $87 million, a 10 percent effective rate, in the year-ago quarter. The 2023 first quarter provision included a $103 million benefit primarily from the release of reserves due to the completion of a prior year tax audit.

Marriott’s reported operating income totaled $876 million in the 2024 first quarter, compared to 2023 first quarter reported operating income of $951 million. Reported net income totaled $564 million in the 2024 first quarter, compared to 2023 first quarter reported net income of $757 million. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $1.93 in the quarter, compared to reported diluted EPS of $2.43 in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted operating income in the 2024 first quarter totaled $952 million, compared to 2023 first quarter adjusted operating income of $941 million. First quarter 2024 adjusted net income totaled $620 million, compared to 2023 first quarter adjusted net income of $648 million. Adjusted diluted EPS in the 2024 first quarter totaled $2.13, compared to adjusted diluted EPS of $2.09 in the year-ago quarter. The 2023 first quarter adjusted results excluded a special tax item of $100 million ($0.32 per share).

Adjusted results excluded cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses and merger-related charges and other expenses. See pages A-2 and A-8 of the press release schedules for the calculation of adjusted results and the manner in which the adjusted measures are determined in this press release.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) totaled $1,142 million in the 2024 first quarter, compared to first quarter 2023 adjusted EBITDA of $1,098 million. See page A-8 of the press release schedules for the adjusted EBITDA calculation.

Tags: Anthony Capuano, Marriott International Inc

Arabian Travel Market returns next week, with over 41,000 attendees expected

 ·       ATM’s strategic partners - DET, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel - offer insights into what attendees can expect at the 31st edition of the travel and tourism showcase

·       This year’s event will highlight entrepreneurship with the theme ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’

·       ATM 2024 will feature over 2,300 exhibitors from more than 165 countries and is set to welcome new destinations, including China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia

HAL starts renewable fuel testing

 

Holland America Line has begun long-term biofuel testing on flagship, Rotterdam.

It is testing 100% low carbon intensity sustainable marine fuel while sailing within the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords.

Saudi Arabia’s Future Hospitality Summit Goes Digital, Sets New Global Standards

 Discover how Saudi Arabia’s Future Hospitality Summit is revolutionizing the industry with its new virtual format and global reach.

Will the new Morocco-Spain partnership boom international tourists for FIFA 2030?

 In a significant development aimed at enhancing travel experiences, Morocco’s Atlas Voyages has entered into a partnership with the Spanish Tourism Office. This alliance, formalized in a ceremony at Atlas Voyages’ headquarters in Casablanca on April 25, is directed towards promoting Spain as a preferred destination for Moroccan tourists.

Enhancing Travel Experiences This partnership introduces a co-branding campaign that aims to attract over 2000 Moroccan travelers to Spain in the upcoming summer season. Atlas Voyages has prepared 20 unique travel packages catering to a variety of preferences, including family trips, romantic getaways, and group tours. These bespoke offers are crafted to meet the diverse needs of travelers seeking high-end and luxury experiences.

Cultural and Regional Exploration Maria José Gomez, representing the Spanish Tourism Office, shared the agency’s objective to broaden the tourism experience for Moroccans by guiding them towards exploring lesser-known regions of Spain. The emphasis is on presenting these hidden gems that promise unique cultural and scenic pleasures, enhancing the traditional tourism routes.

Strengthened Bilateral Relations The collaboration between Morocco and Spain reflects the strengthening ties between the two nations, especially in the tourism sector. This improvement in relations is backed by a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed by the tourism ministries of both countries, focusing on innovation in tourism management and sustainability.

Implications for 2030 FIFA World Cup The partnership is timely, as Morocco, Spain, and Portugal prepare to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This international event is expected to attract a significant number of visitors, and the enhanced cooperation in tourism is seen as a pivotal strategy to optimize the hospitality services offered. By improving and diversifying travel options, both nations aim to ensure a memorable World Cup experience for global tourists.

Future Prospects This agreement not only serves the immediate goal of promoting travel but also sets a foundation for ongoing collaboration in the tourism sector. By fostering a mutual exchange of cultural and recreational opportunities, Morocco and Spain are positioning themselves as attractive destinations in the international tourism landscape.

Tags: Spain,  Morocco, partnership, Tourism, FIFA WorldCup